Disulfiram

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently approves three medications for alcoholism. The oldest and historically most commonly prescribed is Disulfiram, also commonly known by the brand name Antabuse.

Disulfiram for Alcoholism Treatment

Disulfiram (tetraethylthiuram disulfide or Antabuse) has been prescribed for the treatment of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in the United States for more than 65 years and is currently used by more than 200,000 Americans. Disulfiram works by interfering with the body’s digestion and absorption of alcohol, creating a series of highly unpleasant reactions in the process. When an individual who is taking Disulfiram consumes alcohol they will begin to experience:

Flushing of the skin

Nausea and vomiting (sometimes violent)

Headaches

Sweating

Weakness

Higher blood pressure

These effects make it extremely unpleasant for someone who is taking Disulfiram to consume alcohol. Disulfiram therefore acts as a deterrent to alcohol use. Although the drug does not actively reduce alcohol cravings, which are still present, many individuals are sufficiently discouraged from alcohol use that they find it easier to remain sober.

Disulfiram’s method of action is to block the functioning of alcohol dehydrogenase, the enzyme that breaks down ethanol (drinking alcohol) in the liver. This leads to an increased concentration of acetaldehyde, which in turn causes the discomfort. The disulfiram-ethanol reaction (DER) can be very severe, and in rare cases even fatal. Modern day doses are much lower than doses from decades ago, and severe reactions are much rarer as a result.

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Proper Use of Disulfiram

Disulfiram is a prescription medication and should only be taken under the supervision of a physician. Disulfiram should only be taken after the patient has gone through the initial period of withdrawal and detox, has completely abstinence from alcohol for at least 12 hours, and has a blood alcohol level of zero. This is especially important because the DER can begin as early as 10 to 30 minutes after ingestion of Disulfiram. The average initial dose of Disulfiram is 250 milligrams once a day for 1-2 weeks, with the average maintenance dose of 250 milligrams a day thereafter. However, the daily dosage can range from 125 to 500 milligrams a day.

Disulfiram should only be taken after the patient has been sufficiently educated about its impacts. Some physicians maintain that patients must have a reaction in front of them to be sufficiently educated, but this is no longer commonplace. Disulfiram should only be administered after the physician has performed a physical exam, baseline liver and kidney function tests, pregnancy tests (for women), and electrocardiogram (if the patient has a history of cardiovascular disease).

Some studies indicate that Disulfiram is most effective when taken in conjunction with other alcoholism medications, especially Acamprosate (Campral). It is widely accepted that Disulfiram is most effective for patients who are truly committed to their sobriety, and that it is ideally taken under supervision to ensure the patient is compliant with treatment. Some individuals may be resistant to the impact of the DER and may not feel its effects.

If the patient misses a dose of Disulfiram and it is not close to the next scheduled dose, it may be ok to take it. If it is close to the time of the next scheduled dose, it is better to skip the dose. Patients should never double up on a dose of Disulfiram.

Special care must be taken around products that contain alcohol. Disulfiram might create reactions when patients inhale fumes of paint, paint thinner, varnish, shellac, and similar products. Similarly, Disulfiram may cause reactions when patients’ skin comes into contact with aftershave lotions, colognes, and rubbing alcohol.

Although it is a highly effective deterrent from alcohol use, Disulfiram alone is generally not sufficient to treat alcoholism. Disulfiram should be a part of a larger treatment regimen including rehab, therapy, counseling, and 12-step programs.

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Side Effects of Disulfiram

Disulfiram has been extensively used for more than 65 years with great success. One of the primary reasons is that the medication has comparatively few and minor side effects. Generally, these side effects will lessen or even disappear within a few weeks. However, some Disulfiram side effects can be quite serious, potentially even fatal, so it important for anyone taking this drug to be vigilant.

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Disulfiram Statistics

Incorporating disulfiram into an alcohol recovery treatment program produced an abstinence rate of more than 50 percent.

20

months

Individuals who have taken disulfiram for an average of 20 months have showed the highest rates of abstinence.

18

million

An estimated 18 million Americans suffer from an alcohol use disorder, including alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse.

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Disulfiram has a long history of success in treating alcoholism when taken along other treatment methods. However, It should only be taken after initial withdrawal and detox have been completed, which can be dangerous, even fatal. If you or a loved one need help overcoming an addiction to alcohol, you can’t afford to wait. Contact a treatment specialist today to find a rehab.

AddictionCenter.com is a referral service that provides information about addiction treatment practitioners and facilities. AddictionCenter.com is not a medical provider or treatment facility and does not provide medical advice. AddictionCenter.com does not endorse any treatment facility or guarantee the quality of care provided, or the results to be achieved, by any treatment facility. The information provided by AddictionCenter.com is not a substitute for professional treatment advice.